David sat in his office, staring blankly at his computer screen. On the surface, he had everything—an executive position, a comfortable home, and the respect of his colleagues. But beneath the success was a struggle he couldn’t escape. Late at night, when no one was watching, he found himself trapped in pornography and masturbation, a cycle of sin that left him feeling hollow and ashamed. Every time he resolved to change, he failed again. Guilt whispered that he had exhausted God’s patience—that he was out of chances.
Across town, Jessica wiped down her kitchen counter, her hands trembling slightly. She was an excellent nurse—respected, trusted, and compassionate. But the weight of her responsibilities and the loneliness she carried drove her to a habit she couldn’t break. The bottle had become her refuge, a way to numb the ache. Mornings were filled with regret, but each night, she returned to the same cycle. The enemy’s voice was relentless: "You’ll never be free. This is who you are."
That Sunday, something stirred in both David and Jessica, pulling them back to church. The sermon that morning was titled "Free Indeed." Pastor Jerome spoke with conviction, exposing the enemy’s tactics. "The devil operates through two great lies," he said. "First, he convinces us that we’ve gone too far for God’s grace to help us and redeem us. And if we dare to believe grace is still available, he tells us that freedom is impossible. Both are deceptions designed to keep us enslaved." "Both are lies." He then read John 8:36: "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."
Pastor Jerome continued. "Right now, for some of you, hope is being stirred in your heart where you had been overcome with condemnation and shame. Freedom isn't a distant dream—it was already purchased for you through Christ, but Satan doesn't want you to know or believe that. Shame is His game! Well, I have news for you! Whom the son has set free, is free indeed." Pastor continued. "Those are words of truth. He doesn't want you to know. He wants you to believe the lie! I want everyone to close their eyes and bow their head.
Now, if you are one of those who have been believing this lie, quickly slip up your hand!" David sat up straighter. Jessica’s heart pounded. The words felt personal, piercing through the fog of their struggles. Each of them, plus many more, lifted their hands. "Put your hands down."
Pastor Jerome continued, reading from 1 Corinthians 10:13: "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it."
"If you don't know what this means, it means you are not stuck. You have freedom. You just didn't know it, and now is the time to ask the Holy Spirit to help you begin again."
Pastor Jerome then read from Romans 6:14: "For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace." He reminded the congregation that the power to overcome wasn’t found in human strength but in surrendering fully to God.
As the service ended, David remained in his seat, praying for the first time in weeks. "God, I don’t want to live like this anymore. Help me." Jessica stepped forward for prayer, tears streaming down her face. "I need to stop running," she admitted to the woman who embraced her. That afternoon, David deleted the secret apps, installed accountability software, and sought a mentor to walk with him in breaking free from pornography and masturbation. Jessica poured out her bottles, joined a support group, and surrounded herself with people who encouraged her faith. The road wasn’t easy, but every step forward was a step toward freedom.
There were still battles and moments when temptation knocked loudly. But they knew God was on their side, had given them freedom, and they were going to walk in it! They learned to stand on James 4:7: "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." Victory wasn’t about never facing temptation again—it was about choosing obedience and walking in the freedom Christ had already secured for them.
For David and Jessica, true success was no longer measured solely by their careers. It was found in walking with God, embracing the grace and strength He had given them all along. They weren’t just surviving; they were overcoming. No longer bound by sin, but truly free in Christ.
In His love,
Pastor Tim Burt
